Lukashenko Allows Military to Fire on Civilians

The leader of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, has made modifications to the country's military regulations, allowing military personnel to use "firearms, special means, and combat and special equipment" against civilians while performing their assigned tasks.

According to the document, use of weapons against civilians is permissible even in cases of administrative violations. The changes introduced by Lukashenko also state that a serviceman "shall not be held liable for damages caused by gunfire" when it is "conducted in accordance with the requirements of the military regulations."

Earlier, Lukashenko had signed amendments to the law on "State Security Bodies," which permit security service personnel to use weapons against women, children, and persons with disabilities in cases where they show armed resistance, engage in armed or group attacks, or perform other actions threatening lives or health.